Royal hospital doctors treat rare medical condition with ease

Muscat: A specialised medical team from The Royal Hospital’s Department of Paediatric Haematology made history by using Romiplostim drug to treat a patient suffering from a combination of Down Syndrome and bone marrow failure.

Dr. Alyaa Al Mughairy, Consultant of Paediatrics Haematology and Oncology at the Royal Hospital, who headed the medical team that treated the patient’s case, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that this first-of-a-kind case showed that the treatment generated rapid response, not only by increasing the number of blood platelets, but also by augmenting red and white blood cells, without causing any side effects.

Dr. Alyaa Al Mughairy explained that Romiplostim is a synthetic protein that stimulates the production of platelets in patients suffering from platelet deficiency. The drug is typically used to treat some cases of bleeding in children suffering immune thrombocytopenia.

Dr. Alyaa added that the treatment has been documented in a leading scientific journal specialized in paediatric haematology and oncology (Pediatric Hematology Oncology Journal), run by an international editorial board of experts in the field of paediatrics and oncology. "It is the first case of its kind and its procedure has been reported as “an innovative and effective treatment,” said Dr. Alyaa.

She pointed out that this accomplishment is testimony to the skills and expertise of the paediatric haematology team at The Royal Hospital, as well as the team members’ confidence in tackling the most complex cases.

The accomplishment highlights Oman’s outstanding stature in the field of healthcare and affirms its commitment to the best health services.